Process & Techniques

At Heliotropic Studio, we teach a variety of print and dye processes using only natural-dyes, non-toxic plant based inks and organic fiber. We teach the below workshops. Please see our workshops section for times and locations.

Natural Dyeing 101

Natural dyeing is an eco-conscious and nontoxic way to access color unobtainable by synthetic dyes. It’s another way to honor and enjoy nature and discover the wealth of color possibilities that exists only locally. In this workshop, after a brief introduction into the historical and contemporary practices of natural dyeing, participants learn the basics of selecting and preparing fibers(mordanting), dyeing with plants and their extracts and fixing natural dyes to fabric. We also explore some contemporary applications of pattern such and ecoprinting and bundle dyeing. Participants leave the workshop with a range of naturally dyed swatches, hand-dyed ecoprints and the Heliotropic Studio natural dyeing booklet. The workshop is 4 hrs long. All materials are provided by Heliotropic Studio.

Ecoprinting

Ecoprinting/Ecodyeing is the process of dyeing fabric or paper with pigments found in nature and producing pigments and prints - Leaves, flowers, seeds, roots, bark, and wood are layered into fabric or paper and then are steamed or immersed in hot water. Fabric or paper can be pre and/or post-mordanted with nature’s elements ranging from alum, sea water, and soy milk, to iron water and tannin powders and made to interact with rusty objects and vinegar - it’s an ongoing process of cause and effect that changes with the seasons and the timing and application of the dyer when creating the bundles. In this workshop, students will learn about plants, materials and the bundling process. Natural and found objects will be used to make and prints and patterns on silk and cotton fabrics. Emphasis will be placed on design elements, shaped resist and spontaneous surprises.

Indigo Shibori Dyeing

In this workshop, participants learn the basics of preparing an organic indigo vat and create unique patterns on fabric through indigo shibori dyeing.

Shibori is an ancient Japanese resist-dye technique that creates beautiful textile patterns. Students explore different shibori techniques of binding, folding, creasing, stitching, clamping and tying to create unique patterns and designs.

Painting & Printing with Natural Dyes

Participants will learn the basics of making dyes from plants and plant extracts and paint/block print on silk and cotton fabric with these dyes. Information will also be given on making your own watercolors and botanical inks.

Bundle Dyeing with Flowers and Healing Plants

In this bundle dyeing workshop, partcipants will learn how to transfer natural pigments to fiber using flowers, medicinal plants and natural dyestuffs. Participants will leave the workshop with a a naturally dyed silk scarf and fabric swatches .

Introduction to Weaving

In this workshop participants will create small wall hangings. Each participant will be given a small loom to work on. They will learn how to prepare the loom, basic weaving techniques and finishing. The content of this workshop is going to be enriched by introducing unusual materials to weave with such as leather, electric cables, feather, wool rowing, hay, leaves etc. The participants will be encouraged to play with materials and explore different textures.

Blockprinting

In this workshop, students will learn the basics of block printing on paper and fabric. Students will learn carving techniques using rubber blocks, how to print using dyes & inks and print their own designs onto paper and fabric. Students will walk away with a printed tote bag, with their own design, artworks on paper and a finished rubber block that can be used for future prints. We’ll also explore making stencils and image transfers using various techniques.Students are encouraged to bring their own designs or print from already available designs. All materials will be provided during class.

Botanical Monoprinting

Monoprinting is a form of printmaking that has lines or images that can only be made once, unlike most printmaking, where there are multiple originals. In this workshop, the basics of monoprinting will be explored using plants and cut paper. Students will create botanical monoprints on paper using water soluble blockprinting inks. Transferring photographs and drawings will also be explored.